Blueberry Blast set to light up Celebrate Nipigon event this weekend

This weekend'sBlueberryBlast, in Nipigon, looks poisedto blow past attendance recordsout of the water.

Organizers say they're expecting double the usual crowd at the annual event.

Thatmay bedue in part tothe decision torollthe successfulBlueberry Blastinto something called the"Celebrate Nipigon Weekend."

CelebrateNipigon consists of three events thatfocusonthelocal culture in Nipigon and area.

On Friday, July 29, thetownmarkedthe 75th anniversary of the children's book "Paddle to the Sea" by holding a street party.

ThisSaturday's event (July 30), artESCAPE,ishosted by Parks Canadaand willtakeplace at Rotary Park across the street from Paddle to the Sea.

Seven artists from communities along the North Shore of Superiorwill showcase their work and engage art enthusiasts and visitors to celebrate the Group of Seven and their presence in the region.

This weekend's Celebrate Nipigon events also includestheWaterwalkerFilm Festival on Saturdayevening, July 30.

As for the 15th annualBlueberry Blast, Nipigon economic development officer Suzanne Kukko saidthings are looking good for the guided berry-picking overthe weekend.

"Actually my family, my husband and my kids went out yesterday to go and do some Inteland the berries areout and they're big," said Kukko. "So it's pretty cool."

Kukko saidguided picking will be availableSaturday July 30and Sunday July 31,from 11a.m.to 5p.m. She said alocal taxi is providing rides for eightpeople each day,on a first come first served basis.

"Otherwise itis caravan style,"she said..

Other scheduled activities include human chess, children's carnival games,rabbit petting zoo, origami, face painting, a fly-tying workshop with Ray Dupuis, and special events at the Nipigon Historical Museum.